Highland IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Highland, Illinois.
1. Silver Lake Park
SCENIC LAKESIDE RECREATION
Silver Lake Park is a lovely green space in Highland offering visitors a chance to explore the great outdoors. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside and enjoy the natural beauty of this popular recreational area. The park provides a peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists looking to experience Highland's natural landscape.
2. Korte Recreation Center
COMMUNITY SPORTS COMPLEX
The Korte Recreation Center is a prominent sports and leisure facility that hosts various events in Highland. This modern recreation center offers amenities for fitness enthusiasts and families looking for indoor activities. Visitors to Highland often include this center in their itinerary for its excellent facilities and community atmosphere.
3. Plaza Square
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HUB
Plaza Square serves as the charming downtown center of Highland and hosts various community events throughout the year. The downtown square transforms during the annual Street Art Festival held on the 3rd Saturday in September, when artists use chalk to create temporary masterpieces on the asphalt. Visitors will appreciate the historic architecture surrounding the square while experiencing the heart of Highland's community life.
4. Spindler Park
COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Spindler Park provides Highland residents and visitors with a welcoming outdoor recreational area. The park offers green space for various activities and community gatherings throughout the year. Families particularly enjoy this park as a place to relax and connect with nature within the city limits.
5. Erwin H Weder Museum
HISTORICAL FARM EQUIPMENT COLLECTION
The Erwin H Weder Museum houses an impressive private collection of turn-of-the-century farm equipment and vehicles that appeals to visitors of all ages. Located in the old Schott's Brewery building, this unique museum preserves Highland's agricultural heritage in a historic setting. Visitors can explore the fascinating exhibits showcasing the evolution of farming technology and transportation from bygone eras.
6. Spin 2 Win
LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Spin 2 Win offers visitors to Highland a fun entertainment option during their stay in the city. This local venue provides a unique recreational experience for tourists and residents alike. Guests looking for indoor activities will find this attraction adds variety to their Highland itinerary.
7. The Lory Theater
HISTORIC CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The Lory Theater brings classic cinema charm to Highland with its historic venue and film screenings. This beloved local landmark offers visitors a nostalgic movie-going experience different from modern multiplexes. Film enthusiasts appreciate the theater's character and contribution to Highland's cultural scene.
8. Louis Latzer Homestead
HISTORIC VICTORIAN MANSION
The Louis Latzer Homestead is a restored Victorian home built in 1901 by the founder of the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company (later known as Pet Milk). This historic house is remarkable for featuring advanced amenities unusual for its era, including a telephone, running water, a manufactured gas light system, and speaking tubes between many rooms. Visitors can tour this well-preserved residence and learn about the influential Latzer family who helped shape Highland's industrial development.
9. Kaeser Park and Museum
HISTORIC STAGECOACH STOP
Kaeser Park and Museum occupies a brick structure that originally served as a stagecoach stop built in 1840, offering visitors a glimpse into Highland's early transportation history. Today, the museum houses historical items from Highland's business community, city government, and civic organizations. History enthusiasts will appreciate this well-preserved link to the region's past and the carefully curated exhibits documenting local heritage.
10. Street Art Festival
CHALK ART CELEBRATION
The Street Art Festival transforms Highland's downtown square into a temporary outdoor museum on the third Saturday in September each year. Artists use chalk as their medium and asphalt as their canvas, creating impressive works in a tradition that dates back to 16th century Italy. This unique cultural event draws visitors from throughout the Midwest who come to witness the creation of ephemeral masterpieces in this community celebration of art.
11. Michael's Coffee Shop
COZY LOCAL CAFÉ
Michael's Coffee Shop is a charming local café that serves Starbucks coffee in a warm, inviting atmosphere. This beloved establishment offers visitors a comfortable place to relax and enjoy quality beverages during their time in Highland. Travelers consistently recommend this café as a worthwhile stop for those looking to experience local hospitality.
12. Highland Festivals
YEAR-ROUND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
Highland hosts various festivals throughout the year that showcase the community's vibrant culture and traditions. These events draw visitors from across the Midwest who come to experience the unique small-town charm and hospitality. Travelers planning a visit to Highland should check the local calendar to align their trip with one of these special celebrations.
13. Natural Food Store
LOCAL ORGANIC MARKET
Highland's quaint Natural Food Store offers visitors access to organic and specialty products in a charming setting. This local market provides health-conscious travelers with nutritious options during their stay in the area. Located conveniently in town, the store reflects Highland's commitment to wellness and community-focused businesses.
14. Self-Guided Historical Tour
HIGHLAND HERITAGE EXPLORATION
Highland offers a self-guided tour of points of interest that allows visitors to explore the city's rich history at their own pace. A printable map is available to guide tourists through significant historical sites and architectural landmarks throughout the community. This flexible option is perfect for history enthusiasts who prefer to create their own itinerary while learning about Highland's unique heritage.
15. Cahokia Mounds
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS CITY
Cahokia Mounds is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located a short drive from Highland that preserves the remnants of the largest pre-Columbian Native American city north of Mexico. This archaeological treasure features massive earthen mounds built by the Mississippian culture between 800 and 1400 CE, including Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. Visitors can explore the interpretive center and walk among these ancient structures to gain insight into the sophisticated civilization that once thrived in this region.